patch, the debt limit, other tax provisions . ergo, the perfect storm. major issues that this republican controlled house will not address until the wealthy are protected. we must address a sufficient number of these provisions to avert the perfect storm. to do so we must work to building the public confidence so we can continue, continue steady growth in the economy and jobs. the true way to avert the cliff. this is why we must do what is best for the middle and working class first. extend the bush tax for the middle class,, tend unemployment insurance, s.g.r., a.m.t. patch, delay the sequestration. those items which we can all agree upon. we've got to get to work. thank you, madam speaker. i yield back the balance of my time. the speaker pro tempore: the gentlelady's time has expired. for what purpose does the gentleman from new york rise? without objection. >> thank you, madam speaker. here we are on the last day of the calendar year 2012. with an impending fiscal cliff challenging all of us. the women and men who serve in this great body have express